John Wickman, owner of Native Roots, a longtime mainstay of retail nurseries in the Four Corners, is retiring from Native Roots but will maintain his wholesale grower business, Pine River Plants in Bayfield.  The retail business of Native Roots is currently for sale but, with the lease expiring on that property next to Home Depot, a new owner will have to relocate.  For his part, John will focus anew on native plant propagation but selling wholesale only.  John was one of the founding board members of the Durango Botanic Gardens. Following is his letter to our community of gardeners...

"Time does fly by.  It's been seventeen years since Karen Mee and I started Native Roots on a small lot on East Animas Road.  I have thoroughly enjoyed interacting, educating, and providing locally grown plants to both beginning gardeners and seasoned pros.  Durango is a very difficult gardening environment and I am always impressed with the determination of local gardeners to beautify their space or put food on the table.  You all are awesome!

I'd like to thank all of you for your patronage and support these past years.  I am semi-retiring this year and will continue to grow plants at my Bayfield wholesale greenhouse but plan to sell Native Roots which will be relocated to a soon to be announced location.  I look forward to growing colorful plants and baskets for the Colorado market and returning to my first horticultural interest, native plants.  So look for Pine River Plants material at local garden centers and HAPPY GARDENING!"